Let It Be

The first Day

(the first day I knew a baby was growing)

Mixed emotions, feelings flooding,
saying the wrong things
before saying the right thing.
Praying, praying, praying.
Trying not to think,
needing to think,
Wanting to imagine
the possibilities.
Subdued excitement, inner joy
Could it be a sweet little boy?

Imploring God
Praying, Dear Jesus, please;
Knowing He already knows,
The prayer changes,
Help me accept His will
Whatever it might be.
He knows, He holds the key.
Whatever will bring glory to Him
Is right
But please let this be
just let it be.

Lord, we’ve been here before
We know what could be ahead.
We know at some point the road forks.
The mist shadows our view,
Will we travel on the right
Please, can we keep to right?
There are thorns of pain on the left.
Ahead the snow flakes swirl
Soft and sweet as a baby girl.

Let this be, Lord,
Please, just let it be.

It's Tough Being a Woman!

MY HEART IS BROKEN

It is difficult to believe that it has been almost 7 years since my precious daughter and her prince were married. They married young enough to have their family before 30. Yet, 30 is here and there are no new family members. This breaks my heart for them and for me.

It is, also, hard to fathom that it has been 10 months since my grandson has been allowed to spend an afternoon with his Papa and Nana. This breaks my heart again every day.

It is difficult to know which pain is worse.

YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD!!

Recently I gifted a friend with a certificate for Zesto banana splits. I have never eaten a banana split simply because the thought of bananas with ice cream does not appeal to me. My husband is a banana split lover, however I would choose a simple sundae and pass on the banana split.

A few days after I had gifted my friend with the banana splits, my daughter and I went to dinner at a favorite restaurant. Someone in the kitchen goofed and my daughters' salad arrived without dressing or several other toppings that should have been included. My own 'peppers and onions' had no peppers.

When the error was noted and corrected, we were told that dessert would be on the house.
Soon two beautiful dishes of ... you guessed it, BANANA SPLITS, were placed in front of us.
Never having desired a banana split I picked up the spoon to taste it planning to just take a few bites to be polite. I was pleasantly surprised that the desert was delicious. Even the bananas. It didn't occur to me until later that I had given banana splits and I had been given banana splits right back.

And here I am back at the Island Spa, gifted with weeks of pleasure by a friend who I simply called to check on a few years ago. Working and volunteering together I knew little about her personal life. When I learned she had lung surgery I called. My friend asks nothing in return. I did nothing deserving of this. Yet I am here. Enjoying vacation time that I knew I was giving up when I left my job. I am humbled by the gift, as it reminds me of another gift.

The gift of love from God who sent His son Jesus to die that I might have the gift of life. I do not deserve the gift, yet I have it.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. "

Philippians 4:19

Lifestyle Evangelism

She was as red as a red rose.

As we stood in line in the Piggley Wiggley, she turned and asked,

"Do you know of a natural remedy for sunburn? We don't have money."

My husband hearing only the "natural" part said, "aloe".

Me hearing the 'no money' part, looked closer at the sunburn.

She pulled up her shirt to show that her stomach was burned also.

The flaming red burn covered every inch that was exposed, arms and back, also.

Having once been in that same predicament and remembering how painful and miserable it was, it was easy to feel compassion.

~

I chose to ignore the fact that the young couple was unwisely purchasing beer and cigarettes, when medication was the greater need.

I hurried to the first aid isle and found the only sunburn product.

Back at the check out, I watched as the young woman put back the cigarettes when she could not find enough change in her purse to pay the cashier.

The man chose the beer over her physical pain and remarked that he had told her not to go to sleep in the sun.

As they completed their transaction, I told the woman to wait a moment.

When the Solarcaine was scanned I handed it to her with a God Bless You.

Whether they were grateful or spongers didn't matter.

I would have felt shame if I had walked away without trying to help someone in pain.

The outcome is not what matters, doing what Jesus might do in the same circumstance is paramount.

Although He might have healed the burn, naturally!

~

"In the same way, let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16 (New International Version)

Gifts - Tangible and Intangible

TANGIBLE

INTANGIBLE

The amount of energy

expended on a project of love,

whether growing tomatoes or planting flowers.

TANGIBLE

The flower stems after the flowers were destroyed (eaten?)

by a small animal.

INTANGIBLE

Frustration and desire to end the take-over

taking place in our yard and garden.

TANGIBLE

Weapons to take defensive measures to save our home land.

INTANGIBLE

The thoughtfulness of my daughter in gifting her Dad

with these products for Father's Day!

TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE

The delicious dinner my daughter prepared for her Dad.

And the heart warming words "I've seen Mama do it."

"I thank my God every time I remember you," Philippians 1:3

Celebrating the Father of All Fathers!

Father's Day was always a difficult day for me. I do not have a father that taught me anything except fear and shame.

After my children were born I focused on their father, my husband, and helping them to celebrate a Godly father.

Now that they are adults, and the house is quiet on Father's Day I find myself again wishing I could just skip this day.

~

It was so good tonight in worship when a visiting high school friend, who is now a pastor, prayed that even those who did not have a loving father on earth, can rest assured they have a loving father in our Lord. I have always taken comfort in that.

And like icing on the cake, my Heavenly Father is no ordinary father. My father is the King. That makes me a princess! Instead of feeling sad, that makes me feel very special!

"And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:16

RESPECT FOR MEMORIAL DAY

Yesterday as I placed my red, white and blue items on the counter at Wal-Mart. The young man behind the register asked, "Already getting ready for July 4th?" I replied, "No, these are for our Memorial Day Celebration."

He rolled his eyes!! That got him a quick history lesson he obviously needed, although his facial expressions proved he could not care less. He was more interested in being a smart aleck. How did he slip through the interview process to gain this job?

When I reminded him that the sacrifices that others have made allowed him to have his job and live in freedom he again rolled his eyes. I was not only surprised by his behavior but very disappointed to think that he represents many of the young people in our society. I left quickly before he experienced my wrath.

I did feel righteous anger, and his employer will be getting a copy of this blog. The young man certainly needs to be put in his place. I have talked to young men in foster care who have absolutely nothing, and they are respectful of America and of me when I speak to them.

The justification of my feelings is in part that I have served as guardian ad litem for three young men who are now serving their country in Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea. My husband is a veteran of the Viet Nam era. My son in law serves in the Coast Guard. Moreover, as a teen I watched the suffering of a family as they dealt with the death of their young loved one in Vietnam.

No, this Wal-Mart employee did not know who he was speaking to, but that is my point. I could have been the mother or widow of a recently killed soldier for all he knew. Disrespect in itself is abhorrent but disrespect for America and those who are willing to risk their lives to protect you is an abomination.

HAPPY AND JOY ARE TWO DIFFERENT WORDS

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

I have not been happy lately. Not spending time with family members can make me sad instead of happy. Spending cherished moments with family can make me happy, very happy. I like feeling happy. Feeling deep down happiness, well... it makes me happy!

Happiness comes and it goes, depending on a multitude of different circumstances.

I was so happy to see my grandson receive awards for his hard work in middle school Band.

He was happy, too.

Happiness is fleeting and was soon stolen. The joy he brings to my life remains.

Spending time with my daughter at the beach on Mother's Day made us both happy.

Although the real reason we were there on Mother's Day makes me very sad.

Finding myself in a place I never dreamed I would encounter is more than enough to overwhelm my heart with grief. Still, the joy of the Lord remains my strength. Some things would be impossible to bear without that joy.

Even when I am unhappy, joy is with me. I have briefly felt that joy slipping after the death of a baby, while watching my children make life changing mistakes, and when I have made life changing mistakes myself. Thank God that joy is not dependant on my mood or circumstance.

During the past 6 months I have enjoyed many things. While the unhappiness fell like a fog around my heart, it could not permeate my heart. Only because of God's grace and mercy did it not find a home there.

Recently my daughter and son-in-law suffered the loss of a fifth unsuccessful pregnancy. How does my daughter remain hopeful? Why is she still smiling? Could it be because the joy of her faith in Christ gives her strength and hope?

The presence in my home of my only grandson has been denied me since November 15th, 2009. I am reminded of something he said to me and his papa last summer, "I guess ya'll are pretty lonely when I am not here." Neither of us knowing that soon we would find out just how lonely. At the time we had laughed and said, "Not really." We looked forward to his visits each week, however, we did not want him to feel responsible for our happiness.

Helpless to change the current circumstances over which I have no control, I had to do something. Sitting, helplessly waiting is not an option I am comfortable with. I needed to do something. Today I did this.

The yellow ribbon will remain until my grandson is free to visit again.

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! " Isaiah 30:18

SING FOR JESUS!!!!

YOU CAN DO IT!

Early on, confidence comes from your parents. If they encourage you and support your efforts you will learn to be confident in your own abilities. Later, confidence is gained from experiences. We learn that failing isn't the end of the world and success is worth the effort.

YOU DID IT!!!

Even if you are asked to sing alto when soprano is your forte.

"Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name." Psalm 30:4

EXPECT A MIRACLE!

Only God can perform miracles.

And He gives us many miracles every day!

Some do not see this.

They try to explain them away.

~

Faith is believing in things we cannot yet see.

Expecting miracles like when Jesus calmed the sea.

~

In the book of Matthew from the Bible, there is a verse in chapter 8 that talks about faith and a miracle. Jesus is in a boat with his disciples when a storm comes up on the lake. The waves sweep over the boat causing the disciples to be afraid. They ask Jesus to save them before they drown. Jesus replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."
~

What miracle would you ask God to perform?

It's More Than Beer!

Saint Patrick is best known for bringing Christianity to Ireland.

He compared a shamrock with the Holy Trinity.

March 17th celebrates his death,

although that fact is still in question.

People wear green to represent spring, shamrocks, and Ireland

I wonder what he would think about

people drinking themselves silly

and worshiping leprechauns on this day??

ONE TRILLION $$$

If the Trillion dollar health care reform bill is passed it will not help me or you!!  If you have not expressed your concerns to your leaders it may soon be too late.

Dam Walk Finally!

THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34

SNOW? It's a big deal around here!

It has been 40 years since we saw snow... Well, not really. There was the blizzard of '73 and the 'surprise' snow that shut the city down 6 or 7 years ago. I can't visualize that exact date due to PTSD.
My boss's error in judgement that day cost me big time. Because she was from a state which frequently experienced snow, she could not comprehend what the big deal was for us. She scoffed at the excitement and urgency to get out of town. Therefore, I waited too long to leave and could not move my frozen Lincoln out of the parking lot. I stood in line with all the other stranded motorists and paid a ridiculous amount to spend the night two blocks away at the Marriott (where the power went out and I wept for my nice warm fireplace at home). It was the first and only time I have been given a toothbrush along with my room key. No one checking in was prepared for an overnight stay.

But I digress.... anything not frequently seen becomes either very special or very terrifying, depending on your personal circumstances. While I am concerned for those who will suffer from the cold I cannot ignore the beauty of snow flakes floating and swirling to the ground. I cherish the first moments outside after the snow has ended and before drivers have ventured onto the slippery roads. The hushed silence of a fresh snow is a rare and amazing gift. Moments of not a single sound as the miracle stops us in our tracks. Perhaps this is God's reason, His joy, for sending the snow. To force His frantically busy children to pause a moment to witness His wondrous works. Like the rare snowman below.

Truth be told, I had nothing to do with making this snowman. My mother told us children that it was too cold to go out, so we did not get to play in the snow. She went outside, built the snowman and then allowed us to come out to have our picture taken with it.

There were many rumors, drawn from fact, that the snow was full of dirt, pollution and nuclear fallout. I thought for years that my mother did not want us to get sick and was too unfamiliar with snow to know that it would not hurt us. But now I wonder if she actually wanted some time to herself to play in the snow.

If you have snow today how dirty is it? Do this to see:

Gather these items:

a plastic container that is empty, clean, and has a lid
a coffee filter or piece of paper towel
a bowl
a magnifying glass

Fill the container with fresh snow
Put the lid on the container and let the snow melt.
After it has melted hold the coffee filter or paper towel over the bowl.

Pour the melted snow slowly over the filter or paper into the bowl.

What do you see piling up on the paper or filter?

If you can't tell, use the magnifying glass.

(I am not sure I want to ruin my fantasy)

~

"From the fullness of His grace,

we have all received one blessing after another."

~John 1:16 (NIV

Super Chick

The largest breasts I have ever seen!
Really ginormous...
I mean really scary colossal...

...for a chicken. I am purchasing more and more organic, grain fed meat. Organic cost more, so we will just have to eat less meat in order to eat the best meat. And tonight's baked chicken proves why we need to do this. I had to slice the breasts in 3 sections in order to expect them to cook in a reasonable length of time. Years ago I simply placed the breast portion in the casserole as is.

Did you know?

The discovery that low doses of antibiotics make chicken grow faster was made in 1950. Since then, practise of mixing antibiotics (up to a dozen different types) in animal feed has become quite common, and scientist estimate that 70 percent of all antibiotics consumed in the United States are used for livestock production.

It's important to note that these low-dose antibiotics added to feed are not necessarily used to treat diseases or infections. Over 90 percent of the antibiotics used in livestock production are for "non-therapeutic" purposes, merely to enhance growth and weight gain in the animals.

Non-therapeutic usage of antibiotics has been especially common in poultry production. Since the 1980's, annual antibiotic usage in poultry production has increased from approximately 2 million to 10.5 million pounds, an increase of more than 300 percent! Although this is due in part to the overall growth of the poultry industry, that's still a lot of antibiotics used to make chickens grow faster.*

There was a time when fried chicken was a Sunday Dinner treat. We can now consume fried chicken every day if we wish (to have a heart attack at an early age). It should take a chicken approximately 8 months to mature (contingent on type and nutrition). To meet the demands of food production today a chicken can be ready in a matter of weeks. And they are bred to have larger breasts since that is what all the restaurants want for nuggets and strips.

Can we place all the blame on the Poultry Industry? What role does our own greed and impatience play in this? We want/we demand, without regard to our future or the world's. Our bodies not only grow larger but become resistant to antibiotics when we may need them to protect our health. This is a widely known issue that most of us continue to ignore.

*http://www.circleofresponsibility.com/page/19/poultry.htm


*note...
the Super Bowl and commercials were sadly lacking in originality so I had time to think about this.

Disney Vacation

The # 6 played a major role in the extraordinary BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

and a very special WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Lion King

My favorite vacation adventure.

Our personal tour guide had us running to make this show on time, but I am sooo glad she did!! Thanks ASH!

MONDAY MORNING VISITORS

Not having heard of our Thanksgiving tradition,
they wanted to come inside...

but happily accepted grapes and crackers on the veranda.

"And God said, "Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.

"So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth."

And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day. "
Genesis 1:20-23

AWESOME DISNEY!

Yep, you can get that close to God's creations!

The Dr Appointment from Hell!

even that could not spoil my cheerful mood!


I will think about it tomorrow...after all, tomorrow is another day!


Savannah nights! Sleeping in a very high bed...literally had to climb in!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. well I will say that after Ms Nurse Practitioner interrogated me and tossed my broken body into a corner, she then stomped on my heart to make sure I knew who was boss.
When she saw a tear slip out of my eye and slide down my confused cheek, she asked, "Have you seen anyone about your depression?"
...I did muster up the strength to inform her that I was not depressed before I met her today!

Then, as I crawled over the other broken bodies to get out of there, she said, "Now that I have destroyed you, what are you going to do now? ........................................
..........................................................................................................
........................................................................................
and I smiled,........................................................
....................................................................
...........................................................
and answered..........................
.......................................
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.....

"I'm going to DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!!!!!



.
.

DISNEY HERE WE COME!

Remember the people mover?

(now the Transit Authority)

WHEN DOES LIFE BEGIN?

"When Life Begins" from COME WHAT MAY movie from George Escobar on Vimeo.

CELEBRATE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE SUNDAY!

CELEBRATE MARRIAGE!

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

3 John 1:4

~

It is so refreshing to my soul to see

a couple committed to God

and therefore their marriage.

And when it is my own children what a joy!

~

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

~

SNOW DREAMERS CRUSHED

When my daughter was in high school she conducted a science project on the accuracy of weather predictions. For weeks she followed the weather each day and night. She recorded both the predicted weather and the actual weather. The question was simply "Can meteorologists accurately predict the weather?" The hypothesis was that weather predictions were only educated guessing. At the end of the experiment she concluded that weather meteorologists were only right 50 percent of the time.

She won 1st place at her school, but when she competed on the state level one of the judges was a meteorologist! Needless to say, she did not win! I watched the judges expressions and I do not think the meteorologist was impressed with the hypothesis or the conclusion.

This information has served my daughter well as her heart wants to believe any snow prediction; but her brain tells her the chances are only 50-50 that the predicted weather will actually happen. To an optimist those odds are high enough to nurture hope.

Some say that the best part of a trip is the anticipation. In the case of snow dreaming, it may be fun to hope, however it is like a trip to Disney being canceled after you have placed the luggage in the car!

Bummer!

"Many are the plans in a man's heart,

but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

EPIPHANY - aka The Twelfth Day of Christmas

" When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house,

they saw the young child with Mary his mother,

and fell down, and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures,

they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh."

Matthew 2: 9-11 ASB

There are many who would attempt to discredit the Christian faith by arguing over details in the event of Christ's earthly birthday. They love to point out that Jesus was not born on December 25th and the Epiphany is not the date that the wise men found Jesus.

However, they fail to realize that the dates and time line do not change the event itself. Jesus was born and King Herod sent his wise men to find Baby Jesus.

The day we have chosen to celebrate this miraculous birth is not as important as the reason we choose to celebrate.

When we received our first baby as foster parents years ago, we were not told his birth date. The system was much different than it is now. Everything was a secret even though we were allowed to choose his name. This would not happen today.

When he became ill and we rushed him to the ER we were only able to give an approximate age/BD, our educated guess based on the few facts that we were privy to.

Whether it was Monday on the 20th or Wednesday on the 22th mattered not so much. DSS was mum in the area of foster parent info regarding children in care.

We learned the actual birth date from a kind doctor who had contacted the hospital where our baby was born. Had he not gotten sick we might have celebrated on the day he came into our home. Did this matter to our ability to love or his need to be loved? Of course not.

Discussions regarding the exact date are simply Satan's way to distract and confuse.

Find an answer to the why December 25 here.

ON THE 11TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - EPIPHANY EVE

All good things must come to an end. Why? I am like a questioning 4 year old. Why do they have to come to an end? Why do we end good things? hmm?



Today we put away Christmas. The house looks naked inside and out. I suppose if we left our beautiful trees and decorations up they would get dusty and lose their sparkle. Sigh...

As we think about the Magi finding baby Jesus, here is a beautiful story of gifts from the heart. If you are already familiar with the story, then share it with your children.

On the 10th Day of Christmas - ANSWERED PRAYERS

My Husband Smells Like Christmas Cookies! Yummy!

He really does smell delish! And this is an answered prayer! When I developed Anosmia (the loss of Olfactory Perception) one of the most disappointing losses was the ability to enjoy my husbands cologne. It smelled just awful to me. We tried several new ones in vain.

Recently the distortion suddenly changed and currently he smells like sweet cookies baking (as I remember). I hope this lasts for a while!

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that,

if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. "

1 John 5:14-15

As for Dogs...I learned today through more intensive testing that I am allergic to mixed breed dogs? Is this a mutt? We have no pets so this should not be a big deal in daily life. However someone we love has a mixed rescue dog. hmm...

On a lighter note I am allergic to weed! What?

~

ON THE 9TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - BLESSINGS

2009 was a wonderful year.

There was food on my table and a roof over my head.

Love was given and received.

I was blessed.

"Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;

you surround them with your favor as with a shield."

Psalm 5:12 (TNIV)

Saying I am blessed has always made me a little uncomfortable. Does that mean that someone else is not blessed if they do not possess whatever it is that I am using as an example of my being blessed?

I think when this began to bother me was when I noticed that some who are not living a God fearing/respecting life (as evidenced by their choices) still will answer that they are blessed if a compliment comes their way. It sounded as if any person lacking what the 'blessed' person has is just not blessed!

Does this mean that the homeless, the hungry, the abused, the sick are just not blessed?

According to the scripture above, I am blessed because of a righteous life. Are all those who are living in poverty, without employment, physically challenged, etc. unrighteous?

No, what it means is that the righteous will receive the Lord's favor which is why even those in dire circumstances can feel blessed, filled with peace and joy.

This past year a dear friend of many in our church and community died unexpectedly following a medical procedure. She was in her early forties. She had been a shining example of a joyful life. She would tell you that she was blessed and that God was so good to her. Yet, she had lived her entire life dependent on others for care and transportation. Born with spina bifida she would never walk until she walked into Heaven's gates and never run until she ran to see Jesus. She received the Lord's favor in many ways. She was blessed to have care, food and shelter from the righteous who were used by God in her life.

This winter is colder than normal in the south. A hot meal, a pair of gloves or a warm hat could minister and bless the lives of those less fortunate than yourself. I am guessing that if you are reading this you at least have access to electricity and a computer. Are you blessed by God (or simply fortunate in which case you need to consider this)?

How can God use you to bless someone today?

ON THE 8th DAY OF CHIRSTMAS - HAPPY NOW!

A brand new calendar. What will you do NOW? Every one seemed impatient for 2010. How long will it be before you are wishing it was 2011?

On my desk is a clock that tells me the time is NOW. No matter when I check the clock it always reads NOW. So, if I look to see if I have time to complete a task the clock reads NOW…I love it!

Recently, I shared a concern with a dear friend. She immediately reached for my hand and said, “Let’s pray.” As she began to intercede for me I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. How long had it been since a friend had responded in that way? I remember when we didn’t hesitate to ask for prayer or to give it as the need arose. What are we waiting for? Needs do not have to wait for a formal prayer meeting. How much richer would our lives be if we stopped to pray instead of pushing the need aside until it was ‘convenient’. The time to pray is always NOW not later.

We spend a lot of time discussing future plans. Parents say their children are ‘almost four’ instead of simply ‘three’. Teens are looking ahead to driver’s licenses or college. College kids complain about early classes and exams and long for the day of graduation. Adults constantly look forward to the weekend. On Monday most are wishing it was Friday. Or, else, they are looking ahead to vacation. Baby Boomers can hardly wait to retire. How many moments have we missed just wishing them away?

When did we stop appreciating NOW?

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
James 4:14 TNIV

ON THE 7TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS - CELEBRATE

"... Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Philippians 3:13-14

~

This is the easy version of this old Gullah recipe.

Tradition is to serve this on New Year’s Day

along with collard greens and cornbread.

Hoppin' John
16 oz. pkg. frozen black-eyed peas
1piece of ham or leftover ham
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 16 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
1 cup instant rice

Cook peas according to package directions.
When boiling, add ham or ham bone, onion, salt and pepper.
Simmer 1 hour.
Arrange rice over peas and cover rice with water.
Bring to a boil, cover and remove from heat.
Gently stir in tomatoes.

The tradition to serve collards on New Year's Day does not have to be intimidating. Sauteing frozen collards can be a quick, healthy alternative.

My family likes this better than fresh greens.

Collards

16 oz frozen chopped collard greens

2-3 Tbs Olive Oil

1/8 tsp garlic powder

hot pepper sauce

salt and pepper to taste

heat oil to medium high

sprinkle garlic powder in oil

add collard greens

saute on medium high, stirring occasionally

after 4-5 minutes sprinkle a little hot pepper sauce over greens

continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes.

Cover until served.

Pass the hot pepper sauce and green tomato relish!

~

Continue to celebrate with music or games.

OUR ENTERTAINER